Supporting Students and Staying Focused on Our Strength

Dear Colleagues,

You may have seen the news regarding the closure of Anna Maria College. Moments like this are difficult for everyone involved, particularly the students, faculty, and staff who are directly impacted. Our thoughts are with that community as they navigate an uncertain and emotional time.

As an institution founded to meet moments of change and opportunity, New England College has always taken seriously its responsibility to support students in continuing their education. In that spirit, we are extending a pathway for students from Anna Maria College who are seeking to complete their degrees. Our approach is centered on continuity, care, and clarity, ensuring that students can move forward without losing progress or momentum.

This work reflects who we are at our core. It also reflects the strength of our position today.

New England College is operating from a place of stability, focus, and forward momentum. We have continued to invest in our academic programs, expand access through undergraduate and graduate pathways, and strengthen the student experience both inside and outside the classroom. Our enrollment strategies, program alignment, and commitment to student success are resonating in a challenging higher education environment.

That does not happen by chance. It is the result of your work.

Every interaction you have with students, every improvement you make to a process, every moment of care and professionalism contributes to the reputation and resilience of our own institution. In times like this, it becomes even more clear how important that work is.

In the coming weeks, some of you may interact with students who are exploring New England College as their next step. I ask that we meet them with the same care, responsiveness, and sense of belonging that define the NEC experience. For most, this is not a planned transition, and how we show up matters. We have launched a dedicated landing page outlining a streamlined path forward for Anna Maria students, including generous transfer credit, financial support designed to match or reduce their current cost, housing options, and the ability to continue their academic programs and athletics with minimal disruption.

At the same time, I want to be clear: our focus remains on continuing to build a strong and sustainable future for New England College. We are not reacting to the challenges in the sector; we are navigating them with intention and strength.

Thank you for all that you do to support our students and each other.

Sincerely,

Wayne F. Lesperance, Jr.
President
New England College